Creating Success Through Self-Affirming Thought Patterns

June 28, 2009

Everyone of us has the potential to successfully more through the unique problems that face us. Creating success often involves identifying the many ways in which we continue to think negatively – and the many ways we limit ourselves. The next step becomes acknowledging and releasing the fear beneath those limitations and replacing ineffective strategies with newer ways of thinking and newer ways of feeling about ourselves. Below is a shortened and condensed list of practices to continue moving forward on your own path. This list is in no way complete. But sometimes we all need brief reminders to get us back on track.
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR WORTH

I am now accomplishing my goal of _______________.

I am beautiful.

I am lovable.

I can have what I want.

I deserve to feel good.

I allow myself to feel joy now.

I am filled with faith, certainty, and confidence.

I have faith in who I am and who I am becoming.

I am good enough right now where I am.

I forgive others and I forgive myself.

CREATE A LIST OF REASONS WHY
Instead of making excuses that allow you to continue your disordered eating pattern,create compelling arguments for why you can eat the way you want to. Monitor the excuses you are currently using. Observe how the thoughts you choose affect you emotionally.

EX:
I can eat until I am full and stop because I have a choice.
I can say no to that bag of cookies because I choose to feel better in other ways.

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

___________________________________

YES, I CAN
Use your words to create a belief in yourself. Notice how what you think affects your mood and your ability to achieve success. For instance, imagine yourself to be a competitive athlete. You wouldn't motivate yourself by saying, "I'm never going to be able to do this. I should be so much better. I hate myself for not being perfect." Instead, you'd create an inner dialog that was supportive and loving. Try these phrases on for size:

I can deal with this.

I don't need to be perfect.

I'm doing this because it brings me joy to do so.

I am calm and centered.

I breathe and stay in touch with my gut and heart.

I am safe in the world.

Everything I need is already in my possession.

LET GO OF OLD TAPES
Become conscious of old tapes that no longer work. Think about what else you could say that would be loving and supportive. It's a choice. Everything in life is a choice. You could continue to choose not to challenge the old tape. Or you could choose to courageously say no to the old tape and create a new one. Figure out the real reason you keep the old tape. Once you find out the purpose of the old tape (it keeps you safe, it keeps you in your comfort circle, etc.), you can choose something that is more effective.

BEST CASE SCENARIO
The worst will not always occur. Recognize catastrophe thinking. Here's some wonderful advice I saw on a greeting card from the good people at Hallmark: "If I had to give up one sense, it would be my sense of impending doom." Focus on problem solving and moving forward despite the presence of fear.

CHOOSE TO
Drop the words "should" and "try" and use empowering statements such as: